HYDRODYNAMICALLY-CONTOURED TOWABLE LOAD-SUPPORTING FLOAT, INCLUDING AS PERMITS HIGH-SPEED CONTROLLED-DEPTH TOWING OF A SEISMIC AIR GUN

摘要

A float (1) having symmetrical fore-aft and port-starboard cross sectional surfaces in the shape of multiple, above- and below- centerline, ellipsoids is hydrodynamically-contoured to support suspended devices, typically a seismic air cannon (3), at even height/depth in the water, and at even attitude (roll, pitch and yaw). The float (1) places nearly constant force on a tow line (2) over a broad range of tow speeds from at least (3) to (12) knots during sea states from (0) to (6) and in the presence of variable direction surface winds to 25 knots. The float (1) transitions easily and smoothly from displacement to hydroplaning operational modes, permitting that seismic equipment may be towed smoothly and at even depth in the water even at high speeds, thus accelerating seismic surveys.